Johnson champions measure to provide youth in care timely treatment

• Health
• Mental health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“We must uphold our promise to protect and support youth in care,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This measure will ensure more efficient and timely treatment for our youth in care.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois has only 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents. The erosion of the mental health care network in Illinois has a significant impact on access to care, increasing hospitalization for extended periods in emergency wards, and increasing expense for families of youth with complex intellectual or developmental disabilities. Most severely, it can lead to the willing relinquishment of a child into DCFS custody in order to fund psychiatric care.

“We have a duty to support youth in DCFS care,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, these children are far too often forgotten – we must give them the immediate care they need.”

House Bill 439 passed the Senate Wednesday.

Johnson astonished by the senseless murder of Waukegan community member

• Waukegan
• safety

WAUKEGAN – Following the tragic death of Waukegan High School volleyball coach and middle school counselor Niolis Collazo, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by senseless violence that has taken Niolis Collazo’s life all too soon. Our community sends its prayers, love and comfort to her family and friends.

“I would like to thank our first responders and our community in their efforts to assist the family during this devastating time.”

Johnson champions bill to decrease homelessness

• Waukegan
• Health
• Buffalo Grove
• Mental health
• Public Health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to address homelessness and unnecessary institutionalism with the passing of House Bill 2831.

“This measure helps us address the statewide issue of homelessness,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Homelessness has become far too common and has various causes. With the improvement of health and human services we aim to decrease the number of those affected.”

House Bill 2831 would create an office within the Illinois Department of Human Services tasked with preventing and ending homelessness. The group would create a strategic plan aimed to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety- nets that contribute to housing stability.

“Our friends and neighbors are too often stricken by homelessness,” said Johnson. “We are dedicated to uplifting those in need as we continue to combat the root cause of this epidemic.”

House Bill 2831 passed the Senate Thursday.

Johnson invites high school and college students to apply for district internship opportunity

• Waukegan
• Education
• Buffalo Grove
• Students
• Apply Now

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson is seeking motivated, community-minded high school and college students to serve in her district office as interns.

“I want to see young people make a difference in our community while gaining valuable experience working in government,” Johnson said. “If you’re an energetic, driven student who’s interested in public service, I encourage you to apply to be a part of our team.”

Interns would take on an active role in Johnson’s office, helping plan events, assist with outreach to community organizations and local governments, and research legislative initiatives. While interns are able to choose a remote, in-person, or hybrid schedule, they may be asked to attend in-person events with the Senator when conditions allow.

The position requires a minimum commitment of five hours per week from June to August, but scheduling is flexible. Johnson’s office will work with interns seeking college credit for the internship.

Johnson’s staff is hiring interns on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able. Applicants should email Shanale Mason at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a resume after completing the internship survey.